Teahen may be a fit with Rangers

With free agency off-and-running the air has only gotten cloudier surrounding Royals outfielder Mark Teahen. Already believed to be on the trading block, Teahen has become all the more pinched roaming left field at Kauffman since the team traded for Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp this week.

Teahen, who is all the likelier to get shipped out since the aquisition may be more valuable to teams who are seeking an experienced third baseman. One team certainly in need of help at the hot corner is the Texas Rangers.

They seem like the perfect trade partners having a somewhat deep minor league system (especially at AA). The Rangers, as everyone knows by now, are about as stacked at catcher as the Royals are at first base. Incumbent third baseman Hank Blalock - who was recently retained when the team picked up his $6MM option is no longer in shape to play third base. He's had arm troubles that have hampered his throwing for the past two-plus seasons and he is no longer viewed as having the arm strength to make the necessary throws from the position.

Teahen would make a perfect fit for the Rangers at third with Blalock moving into the DH spot this season. Also, he would be a cheap option for the Rangers, though money doesn't seem to be a great issue for them at this time. Any trade, or signing, of a third baseman would allow the Rangers to squash rumors that gold glover Michael Young will have to move to third. Of course, some fans support the idea of Young playing third and rookie Elvis Andrus at short. That isn't likely to happen though. Andrus needs more time to develop in the minors.

All of this is pure speculation, but with Teahen appearing to be a popular topic of discussion between teams this offseason don't be surprised if you start hearing his name tossed about in Arlington.